Stranraer 4
Ayr United 0
League (League One)

Match Report

In Ayr’s first game of 2014, Stranraer ran out 4-0 winners at Stair Park.

A deflected strike and controversial penalty gave the Blues a 2-0 lead at the break before they doubled their goal tally within four minutes of the second period.

United were presented with a host of chances throughout the game but failed to hit the back of the net due to several sublime stops from goalkeeper, David Mitchell.

A defiant Mark Roberts spoke exclusively to Ayr United after the match and said: “It was a poor result but we actually created more goal scoring opportunities during the game than we have in matches that we’ve won.

“We had chance after chance after chance but couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.

“They went in front through a horrible deflection and were awarded a dubious penalty to make it 2-0 which was a game changing moment.

“It was awarded for a foul from Alan Lithgow which I think took place outside the box.

“At the start of the second half they were really clinical from two crosses out wide.

“The reason we lost the game was that we didn’t defend well enough and didn’t take our chances.

“It was a horrible result and there’s no point sugar coating it as losing 4-0 isn’t acceptable.

“On the grand scale of things though, it’s not really changed our league position.

“Yes, we are four points behind Stranraer but we’ve got two home games coming up and they’ve got a run of hard matches, so it’s up to us to make sure we go on another winning run.”

For the first time since October, Martyn Campbell took to the field, and crashed into tackles much to the delight of Roberts.

He said: “Bobo is back which will give us the sheer aggression that is required. McLaughlin has been different class for us recently but Lithgow is suspended for the Brechin game so it’s good to have Campbell back involved. When he plays, we’re a better team.”

The result has shocked the supporters but the boss is urging fans not to overreact.

He said: “I’ll take the flack and the barrage of abuse that will come my way but every team will get defeated like that over the season so there’s no point in being downhearted.

“Earlier in the season when Forfar were at the bottom of the table, they defeated Dunfermline 4-0 so it just goes to show how crazy this league is.

“The next three games are massive so that is what we’re focussing on. As long as we reach the play-offs come the end of the season, we’ll be happy.

“It’s a long way to go so there’s no point in pressing the panic button after one defeat.

“We’ll deal with the loss and make things better, allowing us to bounce back quickly.”

Match report written by AUFC Online